TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Adam Putnam, Florida agricultural commissioner and Republican frontrunner for the 2018 gubernatorial race, is drawing flack from both the right and left for his stance on open carry and campus carry.
Proponents of expanding gun rights say Putnam never offered any support in the past.
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In a press conference announcing an increase in concealed carry permits for veterans, Putnam surprised reporters by saying, "I think that there is absolutely a pathway for Florida to get to a form of open carry."
He also took what many consider a right turn politically by coming out in support of campus carry, suggesting veterans and active military personnel also attend universities and saying that those individuals are "highly qualified, highly competent and safe."
Putnam is getting criticism from former and current Republican lawmakers who say when they pushed campus and open carry legislation, Putnam wasn't there to back them up.
Republican political strategist Mac Stipanovich said the criticism coming from the far right is to be expected.
"Adam is inoculating himself, or trying to do so, in advance of others getting in the race, by moving swiftly to the right," Stipanovich said.
Students at Florida State University have been divided on campus carry. Florida Students for Concealed Carry said it doesn't buy the critics' arguments.
"You know, as far as a department head goes, he's been as pro gun as you could hope for," said Erek Culbreath, president of Florida Students for Concealed Carry. "He issued me my concealed carry permit. He issued every Floridian their concealed carry permit since 2011. So, I mean, what more do you want from him?"
Stipanovich said the criticism likely won't stick, since it's still early in the race.
"What is somebody from the right going to do? Criticize him for having been for Second Amendment expansions? I don't think so," Stipanovich said.
Putnam's turn to the right also includes taking a page from the president's "fake news" claims. On his website, he has asked followers to sign a petition to stop CNN from spreading what he calls "fake news."
The National Rifle Association refused to comment on this story. We tried to contact Putnam's office, but failed to get a response in time for this article.